Unless you grew up in an area where owning a horse was common, horseback riding may be a somewhat foreign activity to you. While some sports can be practiced simply by meeting up with friends in the park, the process of learning to ride a horse is not as straightforward. Consider four tips that may help you start off your equestrian journey on the right hoof.
- Invest in Basic Gear
Before getting on a horse, it’s essential that you gather the necessary supplies. Namely, you will need horse riding gear & apparel. Riders wear helmets, for instance, to prevent head injuries in case of falls. Boots may also protect your feet while around horses. Other types of clothing, such as breeches, can increase your comfort level while riding.
- Enroll in Lessons
Once you have the basic equipment you need to ride safely and effectively, it’s time to find a more experienced rider who can help you learn the ropes. Many establishments that offer horseback riding lessons may allow you to use their horses and tack so you don’t need to worry about housing and caring for a horse right away. Make sure you and your instructor can communicate and interact well; you will need to trust and work alongside this person a great deal to gain the necessary skills.
- Prioritize Physical Fitness
Because horseback riding requires a great deal of core strength and endurance, it’s essential that dedicated riders make exercise a part of their regular routine. This may include running, doing aerobics, and even lifting weights. This is especially important if there are gaps between your regular lessons.
- Continue Learning
There is a lot to learn when it comes to riding horses. Beyond the actual riding techniques, you must become knowledgeable about grooming and caring for horses, as well as managing all the different types of tack riders use. As you gain experience, you may eventually wish to purchase or lease a horse of your own. It’s critical that you prepare for this step by observing, reading, and practicing the various responsibilities associated with owning a horse.
Mastering the art of horseback riding requires a great deal of time and dedication; it is not something that can be accomplished over the course of a few lessons. Even so, with the right preparation and a lot of hard work, you can become a skilled rider in time.